Lifetime memberships in gyms may seem cheap if you’ll consider the unlimited use, but let’s face it, there’s a very slim chance you’d set foot in the gym for the larger part of a year – unless you’re living just a few blocks away from the facility.
This being the case, you may choose between investing around $1500 for a lifetime membership at a gym you can’t always go to, or spending a few dollars on inexpensive equipment which you can use daily in the convenience of your own home.
Jump-Ropes:
Thousands of professional boxers can’t go wrong!
Skipping rope gives you a very good cardio and you can even fit it into any tote when you’re traveling.
It may look like child’s play, but this exercise is actually intense, toning the upper body muscles as well as the hamstrings and calves.
How effective is it?
Studies show that a mere 10 minutes of jumping rope is equivalent to roughly half an hour of running at nearly 6 miles per hour. It has the power to burn up to 1000 calories in an hour.
You’ll also get to improve your endurance, agility, and coordination.
Resistance Bands:
If you think the $2000 price tag on a Bowflex home gym system is just too much, even if it holds the promise of giving you washboard abs in a few months, then first try the $50 Bodylastics.
This equipment, which makes use of elastic tubes, also involves resistance training and offers a ton of variety in exercising. It has exercises for the legs, shoulders, back, abs, chest, and arms.
Step Stools:
In addition to the staircase you have at home, you can also think of exercise sequences using an ordinary (but sturdy) step stool.
You can do lunges on them to tone your butt and quads.
Trampolines:
Re-marketed as rebounders when a stabilizing bar was added, these fun devices can strengthen your heart and improve your circulation.
It’s also relatively easier on your joints and your feet than bouncing directly on the floor.
Even seniors and children can safely use it. As it improves respiration, toxins trapped in the organs and tissues are promptly eliminated. You can find a good-sized one for less than $30.
Frisbees:
Have fun with your kids in your yard or play a round or two with friends if you live near the beach or a park.
They cost next to nothing yet can give even the most exercised athletes a huge workout.
Exercise Videos:
Whether they’re the antiquated Fonda workouts or the newer programs, you can’t go wrong with an exercise video. All you have to do is prepare your mat if needed, drop the video in, and exercise during whatever time of day you please.
Many women prefer using videos than going to the gym especially during the first few days of a program simply because they’re embarrassed to be seen exercising in public – and that’s the beauty of working out in privacy.
When you are more confident and as you start to get the hang of working out (it can be addictive), you can then join a gym if you want to.
Secondhand Equipment:
Treadmills, ellipticals, and other fitness items can be acquired on the cheap when they’re pre-owned.
You only have to be able to try them out to see if they are still in good condition.
If you’re lucky, you can come across an owner who hardly used her machine.
Good sources are garage sales, Craigslist, or eBay, but only if you can check the item out. If not, make sure that it’s still under warranty.
M. Jamal
P.S. So do you prefer an in-home workout, outdoors or gym?
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